Current Research

Research

That makes a difference

Our researchers immerse themselves in pressing subjects to advance remote sensing technologies. We successfully develop new algorithms, efficient, automated services and modern information products that affect positive environmental change. The team at RSS has also published more than 150 research papers in renowned scientific journals and led numerous studies concerning the latest satellite instruments (e.g. ERS-1/2, ENVISAT, ALOS, RAPIDEYE, Radarsat, TerraSARX, Sentinel).

REDD-FLAME

Fast Logging Assessment & Monitoring of the Environment

REDD-FLAME designed, prototyped and demonstrated an optical system capable of monitoring tropical and sub-tropical forests using high-resolution Earth Observation data. By focusing on early detection of logging activities, the system provided the means to quickly identify the first signs of deforestation.

REDD-FLAME was partly funded by the European Commission under FP7 and completed in 2013.

ISVIEWS

Iceland’s interdisciplinary, early warning system for sub-glacial volcanoes

IsViews designed an early warning system for volcanic eruptions in Iceland, using Copernicus data. The resulting 3D model and integration of both active and passive sensor products (e.g. TerraSAR-X, TanDEM-X, LiDAR, RapidEye, Ultracam), allow for the early identification of sub-glacial volcanic eruptions. Preview the resulting 3D world in our video below! Our final thanks go to the Bavarian Ministry of Economic Affairs and Media, Energy and Technology for their financial support.

Terra-Sar FOR-X

REDD monitoring using various SAR systems

FOR-X assessed the suitability of different SAR systems (TerraSAR-X, ALOS, PALSAR, RADARSAT-2, and ENVISAT ASAR), featuring different frequencies and spatial resolutions, for deforestation and degradation monitoring in the tropics. A SAR-based, aboveground biomass (AGB) modeling approach was also developed.

This project was carried out in cooperation with Airbus and funded by the German Aerospace Centre (DLR).

GLOBBIOMASS

Global carbon stock monitoring

The main purpose of the ESA DUE GlobBiomass project is to better characterize and reduce uncertainties of AGB estimates. Results will include an innovative, synergistic mapping approach in five regional sites for the epochs 2005, 2010 and 2015, as well as one global map for the year 2010.

The project’s team includes the leading Earth Observation experts in Europe, and is funded by the ESA. For more information, please visit: globbiomass.org/

MALAREO

Exploring the spatial dimensions of malaria

MALAREO developed and implemented earth observation (EO) capacities in national malaria control programs across southern Africa. The project simulated the use of EO monitoring for malaria control and management and supported malaria elimination activities

MALAREO was party funded by the European Commission under FP7 and completed in 2013

PolInSAR4AGB

Forest height and aboveground biomass estimation using PolInSAR

This research project aims to model forest height and aboveground biomass (AGB) in tropical forests in Indonesia, using polarimetric SAR interferometry (PolInSAR). X- and C-band data will be investigated in combination with TerraSAR-X, RADARSAT-2 and Sentinel-1 data.

Our thanks to the German Aerospace Center (DLR) for their funding, and A.U.G. Signals Ltd. for their cooperation.

SWOS

Satellite-based wetland observation systems

SWOS is creating modern wetland monitoring tools and methodologies that employ Earth observation data. The results will complement European efforts to map and assess ecosystems (MAES), and encourage wetlands to be considered when key policy areas are being discussed. This work is funded by the European Commission under Horizon 2020.